60-Minute Check-Up: What Type of Arthritis Do I Have?

SLUCare rheumatologist Terry Moore, M.D, will present "What Type of Arthritis Do I Have?" at the next 60-Minute Check-Up on Wednesday, Aug. 31. The event will be held from 2-3:30 p.m. at the St. Louis County Library Headquarters, located at 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd.

Sponsored by SLUCare, the physician practice of Saint Louis University, and the St. Louis County Library, the monthly 60-Minute Check-Ups are part of the department of internal medicine's yearlong centennial celebration. The free events are designed to provide information to keep you healthy as well as resources to help you learn more about health-related issues.

Moore will discuss the two most common forms of arthritis - rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis - as well as treatment options, general healthy lifestyle modifications that can ease the burden of arthritis and alternative medicine treatments to avoid.

According to Moore, rheumatoid arthritis is an anti-inflammatory disease that affects 1 percent of the population, or about 3 million Americans. Osteoarthritis is a "wear and tear" disease that affects nearly half of people over the age of 50. As with any disease, early intervention is key in treating arthritis, Moore says.

"Many people don't seek treatment because they assume their aches and pains are normal. Others ignore their symptoms because they fear the worst. But there are a number of treatment options including medication, physical therapy and occupational therapy that can relieve their pain and improve their quality of life," Moore said

St. Louis County Library reference librarian Christina Pryor also will talk about library resources available to help people improve their health.

Because space is limited, reservations are recommended. To reserve your spot, call the St. Louis County Library at 314-994-3300.Upcoming series events include "Asthma, Hay Fever and Food Allergies" on Monday, Sept. 26, "Common Sleep Disorders" on Oct. 17, "Living with Diabetes" on Nov. 7 and "New Year's Resolutions: Diet and Exercise Tips" on Dec. 5.

SLUCare, the physician practice of Saint Louis University School of Medicine, is the only academic medical practice in St. Louis that is fully accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Inc. This accreditation is a voluntary process through which the quality of SLUCare services and performance is measured against nationally recognized standards. To schedule an appointment, call 314-977-4440 or 1-866-977-4440. More information is available at www.slucare.edu.